Capitalist reforms in sub-Saharan Africa: some questions and issues

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Periodical article

Title:	Capitalist reforms in sub-Saharan Africa: some questions and issues
Author:	Gordon, A.
Year:	1992
Periodical:	Genève-Afrique: acta africana
Volume:	30
Issue:	1
Pages:	35-53
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Subsaharan Africa
Subjects:	capitalism economic policy
Abstract:	Africa's current economic crises have prompted a rush to capitalist, market-oriented reforms, and most African States have been compelled to undergo the rigours of 'structural adjustment' imposed by the World Bank/IMF. Four issues are critically examined in this paper: the kind of capitalism being promoted in Africa, Africa's position in the global capitalist economy and the way in which current 'reforms' will affect that position, the proper relationship between the State and the private sector in promoting economic development, and whether or not capitalism can develop Africa. The author urges scepticism and caution rather than integration into the world capitalist economy on terms that are likely to mostly benefit the few wealthy countries at the centre (along with their African clients), not those at the periphery. Instead, an alternative 'growth with equity' model of development is proposed. Bibliogr., sum. also in French and German.